Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

EC decision due in May on enzyme replacement therapy PRX-102

The European Commission (EC) is expected to decide whether to approve PRX-102 (pegunigalsidase alfa) for adults with Fabry disease in early May. The therapy’s co-developers, Protalix BioTherapeutics and Chiesi Global Rare Diseases announced that PRX-102 received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for…

FDA puts clinical hold on Fabry disease gene therapy 4D-310

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a hold on the 4D-310 clinical program, an experimental gene therapy for Fabry disease being developed by 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT). The hold was disclosed in a filing submitted by 4DMT to the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this month.

Gene Therapy 4D-310 Boosts Heart Health in 3 Patients After 1 Year

One year after treatment with 4D-310, an experimental gene therapy for Fabry disease, measures of heart health have improved in the first three participants in a clinical trial, according to new data announced by the therapy’s developer, 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT). “4D-310 holds promise as a potential first-in-class treatment…

Fabry Screening in Men With Pacemakers Not Supported in Study

A program that screened nearly 500 men with implanted pacemakers for Fabry disease found that none of them had the genetic disorder. The findings “suggest that the prevalence of [Fabry disease] in male patients requiring permanent pacing is very low and does not justify a systematic screening,” according to…

Gene Therapy ST-920 Leading to Long-term Benefits in STAAR Trial

One-time treatment with ST-920 (isaralgagene civaparvovec), an experimental gene therapy being developed by Sangamo Therapeutics, continues to be generally well-tolerated among people with Fabry disease, according to new data from the Phase 1/2 STAAR clinical trial. Trial data show that the gene therapy leads to long-term increases in activity…

Mitochondrial TRAP1 Helps Restore Lysosome Function in Early Study

Activating a mitochondrial protein called TRAP1 can help to improve the functionality of lysosomes, the cellular structures that are defective in Fabry disease, a new study reports. The study, “Activation of mitochondrial TRAP1 stimulates mitochondria-lysosome crosstalk and correction of lysosomal dysfunction,” was published in iScience.